MIAMI — Carlos Alcaraz wanted to play in front of an energetic crowd at the Miami exhibition tournament.
The world’s No. 1 tennis player got his wish, receiving a standing ovation when he stepped onto the court and hearing electric cheers during an exhibition event Monday night at loanDepot Park, the home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins.
It was a unique event – the first time tennis has been played at loanDepot Park – and also featured rising Brazilian standout João Fonseca and female stars Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula.
Alcaraz defeated 24th ranked Fonseca 7-5, 2-6, 10-8 in a thrilling singles match, the first meeting between them. Anisimova edged out Pegula 6-2, 7-5 earlier in the night. Alcaraz and Pegula also beat Anisimova and Fonseca in a ten-point mixed doubles tiebreaker.
“I just hope that people are entertained watching us play. I think it’s unusual to see us play in this type of stadium and field. I’m really excited to play here with João. I’m excited to see how people are going to respond,” Alcaraz said before the game.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz recently concluded the 2025 season, atop the ATP rankings at the end of the year, with the most tour match wins, 71, and eight trophies, plus a pair of Grand Slam titles that brought his career total to six.
The Spaniard has been busy during the exhibition season, which also included an event in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday, in which Alcaraz played a singles match against two-time US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe.
“I’m having a lot of fun. Getting the energy from the people, playing in some places we’re not used to. It’s exciting. It’s been great so far, and I’m really enjoying it,” Alcaraz said.
Monday’s crowd included Inter Miami stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who became MLS champions just a couple of days ago in the final game of their decorated careers.
Anisimova, a finalist at the US Open and Wimbledon this year, and Pegula, who reached the US Open semifinals, both said Monday’s exhibition was a great way to prepare for the upcoming season in a new environment.
“I think we love playing tennis and we love competing. Being able to change what that looks like a little bit, where it’s not something we do 95% of the year, is always very nice and refreshing for us. I think it’s great for the sport. It gives it a different aspect for the fans, for everyone involved. For the players, it keeps us refreshed and reminds us why we’re playing,” Pegula said.
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